The concept of the American Dream can be defined as everyone having an equal opportunity to achieve wealth and attain happiness. The Great Gatsby shows that for at least a century this has been a far away concept as throughout the book the reader sees how those who already have money are able to keep the lower class from climbing the social and economic ladder, and those that are able to rise out of poverty are treated unequally and are unable to achieve happiness due to the pressures of upper class society. This is best seen in the character of Gatsby himself as he worked extremely hard doing whatever it takes to achieve his dream but was never able to attain happiness. Although Gatsby was able to start from poverty and gain wealth he represents …show more content…
Gatsby's wealth and extravagance does not guarantee him social acceptance and respect from those considered old money with many accusing him of gaining wealth through illegal means many claiming "He's a bootlegger"(Fitzgerald 61) .While granted Gatsby did use bootlegging to obtain his wealth the blind accusations sets a bad precedent for new money as shady individuals trying to fit in in a place they don't belong. Many individuals of old money see new money as tacky and desperate. '"[Daisy] didn't look so interested" "well I was'' Tom laughed and turned to me'(Fitzgerald 108). Despite his huge parties and extravagant lifestyle, Gatsby is ultimately rejected by those who come from a long line of inheritance, such as Tom and Daisy. This demonstrates that the American Dream, which implies equality in upward mobility, is not always attainable for those who do not already have a long line of wealth. Even though Gatsby manages to accumulate wealth through hard work and determination, he is still considered inferior by those who were born into wealth. The Great Gatsby highlights the flaws and limitations of American society, as it reveals the inequalities and prejudices that exist in our